Subscribe to our free, daily publication for all your Westford news.
Christmas arrived a few days late for Westford Community Access Television this year.
The WestfordCAT staff members learned on Jan. 2 that the station has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the Bafflin Foundation of Providence, Rhode Island. The funds are meant to underwrite the production services of the weekly video segment of “Adoptable Pet of the Week.”
Marketing Outreach Director Sarah Fletcher secured the grant by completing an application in July. Her efforts paid off this week when a letter dated Dec. 30 arrived in the mail.
Signed by Paul A. Silver, Esq., the letter said, “I am pleased to enclose a check in the amount of $5,000 as a grant from the Bafflin Foundation in connection with your July 11, 2019 grant request to underwrite the production of services of your weekly video segment, Adoptable Pet of the Week.”
The Bafflin Foundation’s mission is to support nonprofit organizations that focus on art, animals, plants, and the earth.
Fletcher said she sought the Bafflin Foundation grant because its mission and direction aligned with the non-profit WestfordCAT’s vision.
“It’s a real affirmation that we’re doing great work in the community when an organization financially supports our efforts,” Fletcher said.
The show’s track record underscores the program’s success. “This show has been instrumental in helping to place rescued and surrendered animals into loving homes,” Fletcher stated. “In the two years since we began this program, more than 150 shows have been produced.”
Adoptable Pet features animals housed at the Lowell Humane Society. WestfordCAT Production Coordinator and Editor Patty Stocker conceptualized the segment, airing her first production on July 22, 2016.
“I have always felt that adopting a pet from a shelter is the way to go,” Stocker said. “These pets are often strays, have been abandoned, or are dropped off because their owners can no longer care for them. Shelter staff members are some of the most caring and tirelessly working people I know, and I am so proud and feel truly lucky, that I can bring people and pets together.”
Crystal Arnott, Communications and Fundraising Manager of the Lowell Humane Society praised Stocker and WestfordCAT.
“The Lowell Humane Society is incredibly proud of Patty Stocker and her Adoptable Pet of The Week segment receiving funding from The Bafflin Foundation,” said Arnott. “Patty’s work to put our shelter pets in the forefront of residents’ eyes has created huge opportunities for us. These segments have allowed us to showcase each individual pet’s personality and has resulted in not only adoptions, but also has connected the community to our mission in a unique way.”
Staff at the Bafflin Foundation could not be reached. A representative of the foundation’s law firm, Hinckley Allen, declined comment.
To watch an episode, visit Westford CAT’s YouTube channel and search for “Adoptable Pet of the Week.”
CLARIFICATION – The Adoptable Pet feature began three-and-a-half years ago.
You must be logged in to post a comment.